Dubai

Head off-road with top tour operators like Dune Buggy Dubai to discover the thrills of the desert. You can find activities to suit whatever level of adventure you crave. The Morning Dune Buggy Safari features an early bird hour-long ride in your own open buggy. If you're looking for more, try the Evening Desert Safari. Here, you'll go dune driving in a brand new Land Rover. After the drive, you'll sit down for live entertainment consisting of a traditional dance show. Food, beverages and henna painting enhance the experience with sand boarding and camel riding available to keep the excitement going until late at night.

The city offers plenty of alternative thrills. Freefall from 13,000 feet through the skies of Dubai and take in views of the iconic Palm Jumeirah or Arabian desert with Skydive Dubai. For more extreme fun combined with unique perspectives, book XLine – the world's longest urban zipline that's in the heart of Dubai Marina. The brave can also try the fastest human slingshot in the region at Kite Beach, where you'll be propelled at speeds of up to 100 km/hr.

Thrill-seekers can get their kicks at sea at Jumeirah Beach, where Dubai’s latest toys are getting hearts racing. Flyboarding, also known as water jet-packing, sees adventure lovers fitted into a small board and strapped to a specially-made backpack that sucks up seawater, before spitting it back out, propelling the rider into the air. If you have never tried it before, no worries. Even beginners will be able to manoeuvre themselves around the marina – just be prepared to make a splash crash-landing the first few attempts.

Have fun on the water and at the same time take in some of Dubai’s famous landmarks with a jet-ski session. With its pristine coastline and azure blue waters, it's the perfect place to master new moves. Most watersports tour operators offer a range of options, accompanied by a qualified instructor.

Featuring the largest and most diverse number of wildlife species in the UAE, Al Warqa’s Dubai Safari is home to 2,500 animals. Adventurers can encounter monkeys, lions, giraffes, crocodiles and a whole lot more as they explore the park's four themed sections: the Arabian, Asian, African and Safari Village. The eco-friendly park, which is primarily powered by solar energy, now aims to be one of the top 10 zoos in the world, thanks to its commitment to animal conservation, protection and education.

Step away from the city and float 1,200 metres above the desert dunes with a hot air balloon tour. The adventure usually starts at sunrise, followed by an hour-long flight that's worth the early wake-up. Following whichever way the desert breeze blows, you'll get breathtaking views of the rolling red sands, rising sun, grazing gazelles, and majestic Hajar Mountains. With a variety of packages to choose from with Balloon Adventures Dubai and Hot Air Balloon, you can make it a romantic rendezvous, corporate celebration or an unforgettable family experience.

Hatta Wadi Hub is the new home of action and adventure. Visitors can try a range of exciting activities, including archery, wall climbing, freefall jumps and adventure rope courses. Make time to go twin zip-lining with a friend, whizzing past the dramatic mountain scenery together. Then cool off at the Hatta Drop-in, the first water jump park in Asia, or be bowled over by zorbing — a fun sport that sees brave adventurers roll downhill inside a giant transparent orb. After a long day of exploring, pitch up a tent and sleep under the stars at the dedicated Hatta Campsite or, for a luxury twist, book a stay at the Hatta Damani Lodges and Hatta Sedr Trailers.